McClave Elementary School one of only two Colorado schools to receive National ESEA Distinguished School award

Accepting the award of ESEA Distinguished School and $10,000 are elementary students, Superintendent Howe and Principal Pacino

On January 28, 2026, the White Gym in McClave School was filled with students, staff, families and community members who gathered to celebrate McClave Elementary School being recognized as a National ESEA Distinguished School.  The school was one of only two schools in the state of Colorado to receive the prestigious award and one of only 63 nation-wide, a feat made even more remarkable since it also received this award in 2021.

Brianne Howe, McClave School Superintendent welcomed those attending, saying “We gather this morning to recognize an incredible accomplishment – one made possible by the hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence shown every single day by our elementary staff and students.  McClave Elementary is truly special and today is a celebration of that excellence.  Over the past several years, McClave Elementary has earned numerous national recognitions that speak volumes about the quality of its education.  In 2021, McClave Elementary was named a national ESEA Distinguished School. In 2023, the school received a prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award – an honor reserved for schools that demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and growth.  This year, McClave Elementary has once again been named a National ESEA Distinguished School, making us one of only two schools in the state of Colorado and one of only 63 schools nationwide to receive this recognition.  These awards are not given lightly and they do not happen by accident.  They are the result of high expectations, strong relationships, intentional systems, and a school culture that places students at the center of every decision.  Most importantly, they are a reflection of the daily efforts of our students who show up ready to learn, and our staff who show up committed to doing what is best for kids.  The level of pride we feel in McClave extends beyond these awards.  It lives in the classrooms, the hallways, and the relationships that define this school.  These accomplishments over the past few years will be remembered for years to come.  They represent what is possible when a school believes in its students, supports its educators, and refuses to settle for anything less than excellence.  Today we celebrate excellence.  Today we celebrate pride, and today we celebrate McClave Elementary”.

McClave Elementary students and staff

Representatives from the Colorado Department of Education then presented the award to the school, which included a $10,000 check.  Sheldon Rosenkrance, Chief District Operations Officer for the Department of Education, told the students that it was an honor to be there to present the award, telling students that he grew up in a small town in Idaho and attending a school nearly identical in size to McClave, saying that even the gym looked identical to his school’s and that it brought back great memories.  “I’ve heard to much about the many great things you’re doing here at McClave.  The administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents have done a tremendous job working together to make sure all the students here are succeeding.  I know this cycle of achievement does not come easy.  It is not a stroke of luck.  It is a type of steady, ongoing achievement that is daily effort and hard work that adds up over time” he told the crowd.  He then delighted the elementary students by telling them of the monetary award the school was receiving, first asking if they thought getting $100 would be a great thing, which was met with cheering from students.  He then asked what they’d think about the school getting $1,000, receiving even louder cheering and then when finally telling them that the award would be $10,000, the cheering was almost deafening.  I heard young students sitting behind me say “Wow, we’re rich!  Our school is rich”! while applauding.  Before being dismissed, they were even more excited when they were told that as a reward, they would be getting an extra special dessert treat at lunch.

Maggie Pacino, McClave K-12 Principal spoke next, thanking everyone for being there.  “Thank you all for being here today to celebrate a truly momentous milestone for our school.  First, a sincere thank you to the Colorado Department of Education.  We are deeply grateful for your nomination and your unwavering support of education across our state.  This award belongs to everyone in this room.  Junior High and High School students – going back to 2021, several of you were part of the beginning of this (award).  Thank you for your hard work.  Thank you too for being role models for our younger students” she said.  Asking the School Board and staff to stand to be recognized, she continued, saying “Thank you for your tireless dedication.  You are the architects of this success, leading the way with your passion and purpose.  We appreciate you”.  She then asked families and community members to stand, saying “Thank you for your support and for entrusting us with your children’s futures”.  Finally, asking elementary students to stand, she said  “Your hard work and curiosity are the reason that we are here.  You inspire us to do our jobs every single day.  Thank you”

McClave Elementary teachers and staff.  Principal Maggie Pacino is fourth from left and Superintendent Brianne Howe is at far right.

Before ending the ceremony, Pacino continued:  “We believe true excellence is attained only when respect, integrity, and honesty form a foundation of what we do.  While academic results are what bring us this title, it is our culture and the relationships that we have here that made those results possible.  We don’t just teach subjects; we work to build a community where every individual is seen and valued.  We are incredibly honored by this recognition and while we take a moment to celebrate today, please know that our mission does not change.  We will continue to strive for the same excellence that earned this award, ensuring that this school remains a place were all students can thrive.  Thank you for being a part of our journey”.

Congratulations, McClave students and educators on a job well done!

By: Barbara Crimond